Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
Max. size: |
53.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 730 - 930 m |
Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: off eastern Florida, off northern Cuba, and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico off the Florida Keys. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 104-108; Anal soft rays: 85-92 |
Biology: |
Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Feed on euphausiid shrimps, gammarid amphipods, fish scales and a midwater myctophid (Ref. 31446). Feeding probably takes place on or just above the bottom, utilizing both benthic and benthopelagic crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 31446). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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